How do you feel about the situation in Nigeria?

Here are some informational links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movement_for_the_Survival_of_the_Ogoni_People

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MEND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Dutch_Shell#Nigeria

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_in_Nigeria

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niger_Delta_conflicts

In summary, Nigeria has a history of being exploited for its oil by foreign companies, prominantly British. Typically, the Nigerian government, being very corrupt, has worked with the companies. They get a nice wad of cash, while the people get nothing.

Currently, the most significant of these companies is Royal Dutch Shell. Besides practicing atrocious enviromental politices that harm all forms of life, Shell funds the Rivers State Internal Security Task Force, which is a militia that essentially puts down protests against Shell.

MOSOP, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, was a prominent group that protested Shell and the Nigerian government. MOSOP was a non-violent group. Despite that, in 1995, Ken Saro-Wiwa, the leader of MOSOP, was arrested and executed. The blame for this lies more on the government then on Shell, as they "attempted" to have him granted clemency.

MEND, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, is a different story. They're a militant group that has sabotaged Shell operations and kidnapped workers. These are acts that could be considered terrorism. On the other hand, one could argue that they're fighting back against people who are destroying their country and their people.

 

another link: http://boards.theforce.net/the_senate_floor/b10320/20133776/p1/?1

 

Crox,

Good topic, perhaps poor execution. As KW's link points out, we like to have something a little meatier in our opening posts.

Could you edit yours, or just reply, with a summary of the different "sides" and the background to this conflict?

E_S